Chapter 893
Chapter 893
The family's reunion lasted the entire day. Anton's conversations with everyone varied. Some were serious, such as the business discussions he had with Romina, Bruce, and Sara, or the conversation about the state of Rose Manor with the family butler, Raymond.
Other conversations, especially those with Anna, Luna, Alfred, and his two stepbrothers, were lighthearted and revolved around everything an otaku could enjoy—movies, television shows, and anime.
Since Anna had already experienced speaking with girls from Earth, her perspective had broadened to include topics that fascinated Earth women, such as fashion, makeup, and relationships. Because of that, she asked Anton if she could watch movies centered on those subjects.
Anton simply searched the internet for the highest-rated fashion movies and gave Anna copies of The Devil Wears Prada, Coco Before Chanel, The Dressmaker, and several other films in the same genre.
He also gave her copies of television series centered on fashion, such as Emily in Paris, Project Runway, and America's Next Top Model.
Anna was overwhelmed by the number of movies and television series Anton had given her. She had never imagined there were so many films and shows dedicated to fashion and other traditionally feminine interests.
Anna, Luna, Alfred, and his two stepbrothers began watching them together. As expected, the boys quickly grew bored while the girls became completely hooked. Even Romina, Susan, and most of the female servants joined Anna and Luna. After a couple of hours, however, Anders had to scold them for abandoning him and Anton in favor of watching television.
The amusing part was that Anders could not stay angry for long because his new wife, Sonya, had also become engrossed in the fashion shows.
After Anders and Anton voiced their complaints, everyone gathered once more in one of the manor's many salons overlooking the ever-blooming garden. They spent the rest of the morning chatting and strengthening their family bonds until lunch was served.
Lunch was just as lavish as breakfast. Afterward, Anders let out a resigned sigh and accepted the inevitable, allowing the girls to continue watching their shows.
Anton and Anders joined them. Anton was surprised when Anna chose America's Next Top Model and was even more astonished by how invested all the women became. They reacted as though they were personally rooting for their favorite contestants.
Romina admitted that the show would be extremely popular among women and once again asked Anton for permission to screen it for customers. She planned to advertise it as entertainment aimed at girls interested in fashion.
Anton did not know how to respond and simply agreed. He could not understand how the girls related so strongly to something that was not even part of their culture.
Was a love of fashion simply universal among women?
He had to admit that many of the models were attractive. They were undeniably beautiful, but Anton had seen women of extraordinary beauty before. Compared to the elves, however, the models simply could not compete, even when they were fully glammed up, as Anna liked to say. She had learned the expression from one of her Diablo II friends.
Anders eventually left after growing bored with the show, but Anton stayed. He found himself appreciating the models, especially during the photoshoots where they wore revealing outfits.
After watching a few more episodes of America's Next Top Model, Anna switched to Project Runway. The women immediately became intrigued after learning that it was a competition to determine the best fashion designer.
Anna sighed.
"I only asked for a couple of days off. That means I only have today and tomorrow to watch all these movies and shows."
"You can copy them and watch them in your room at the academy," Anton suggested.
Anna stared at him for a moment before suddenly rushing outside to ask Raymond for several magic recording devices so she could make copies. When she returned, she happily told Anton that she planned to watch everything again with her classmates before they went to bed each night.
Romina quickly reminded her, "Don't spread the shows around too much. We still plan to screen them in the family cinema."
"Don't worry, Romina. I'll only watch them with my three roommates," Anna promised.
By late afternoon, everyone took a break from watching television and gathered once again in the salon to enjoy tea and pastries.
While they relaxed, Anton recounted everything that had happened during the past several months at sea. His story was surprisingly brief because nothing particularly significant had occurred.
"At least once we arrive in Izmorta, traveling between the two continents will become much easier using portal scrolls," Anton said with a sigh.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
They all considered the journey, which had lasted more than a year, exhausting and were relieved that they would never have to endure such a voyage again.
Suddenly, Anna made a comment that caught Anton completely off guard.
"Why did you have to make the journey yourself? You could have sent someone else with a portal scroll. Once they reached Izmorta and activated it, you could have stayed here and enjoyed your life. Afterward, you could have traveled there instantly."
Anton thought about it for several seconds before replying.
"You're right. It probably would have been more efficient, and I would have agreed if someone had suggested it before I left. But now that I've completed the journey, I don't regret it at all. I made new friends, and I think the voyage helped me recover from some of my emotional trauma. Besides, experiences like meeting the water dragon and seeing the sights of Meronoma are memories I wouldn't trade for anything."
After their afternoon break, the girls returned to watching their fashion shows while Anton met his father in the study.
They discussed Anders's plans for Oakswood. Anton learned that his father's ambitions had grown considerably. Anders truly intended to become a king there, especially since the circumstances favored someone with ambition. Much of Rendindura's population had perished during the war, leaving opportunities for capable individuals to rise in status.
Anders admitted that his newfound ambition stemmed from the confidence he had gained through the power granted by Anton's Diablo System.
Anton confessed that he would not be able to support his father personally because he intended to continue pursuing magic that would allow him to travel between dimensions.
Anders smiled.
"You've already helped me enough. Your Diablo System has given me all the power I need."
He continued, "And even if nothing comes of my ambitions, that's perfectly fine. I'm not so obsessed with becoming king that I'll lose myself pursuing it."
He smiled again.
"Besides, I don't need a crown for our family's name to be remembered. Your contributions during the war against the Undead Coalition, along with the promising futures of both you and Anna as powerful wizards, have already ensured that our family's name will be recorded in the histories of both Rendindura and the Gale Continent."
Anders then asked Anton whether he still intended to continue sailing aboard the Melinda. Anna's suggestion about sending someone else with a portal scroll was reasonable and would spare Anton from further months at sea.
"I think I'll continue traveling with the ship," Anton replied. "Living aboard the Melinda has allowed me to remain focused. If I stayed at the manor, I'd constantly feel tempted to travel elsewhere. I don't want my attention to wander. I want to keep my focus on reaching Izmorta."
The entire family gathered once more for dinner. Before long, it was time for Anton to return to the dock where the Melinda was anchored.
After a long farewell with everyone, Anton traveled back to the island, checked out of the room he had rented at the tavern near the port, and returned to the ship.
The Melinda would depart early the following morning.